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Overheat at idle and rear suspension rattle?


Kalgorn

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I think I remember seeing a post about overheating at idle being a common problem with W-Bodies but I can't seem to find it again... any help? I'm assuming it's probably a t-stat. I'm not leaking any coolant so other than the t-stat I'm not sure what it could be. It overheats if it sits at idle for too long such as in traffic.

 

Also, for a few weeks now I've noticed a rattle in my rear suspension when I go over bumps and shit. I haven't gotten the chance to take a look at it yet. Hopefully this weekend I'll get the chance to throw it up on some ramps and check it out. Could something in the suspension be loose?

 

Thanks.

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For the overheating I would think that the t-stat isn't opening.

 

Is the rattle coming from the front or rear?

 

Definately the rear. I went over some bumps to make sure and it always happened when my rear tires hit the bumps. I had a friend hang out my window as I drove over some bumps, too, and he said it was definately the rear.

 

EDIT: If the t-stat wasn't opening, could this be fixed without replacing it or would I need a new one? I'm a little short on money until this Friday when I get paid. I guess it doesn't need to be fixed immediately since it's been doing this for a while now.

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I'm assuming that it isn't that cold where you are right now. If the t-stat isn't opening, you could always just yank it out and run the car without one. Then just throw in a new one when you have the time/money, and before winter. Also, if it only overheats when idling, are you sure that your cooling fans are comming on??.

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Replace the t-stat, and bleed the coolant to make sure there are no air bubbles in the lines.

 

As for the rear, does it clunk or squeak, what is it exactly?

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I'm assuming that it isn't that cold where you are right now. If the t-stat isn't opening, you could always just yank it out and run the car without one. Then just throw in a new one when you have the time/money, and before winter. Also, if it only overheats when idling, are you sure that your cooling fans are comming on??.

 

No I'm not sure if the cooling fans are coming. I'm going to need to turn it on tonight and let it sit for a bit to see if they come on. How long should it take for them to pop on if it's just idling?

 

Replace the t-stat, and bleed the coolant to make sure there are no air bubbles in the lines.

 

As for the rear, does it clunk or squeak, what is it exactly?

 

It's just a... rattling. It's definately not a squeak. Sort of hard to explain. It sounds like something could be loose. I'm hoping to head home Wednesday night to do an oil change so I'll be able to put it up on some ramps to look at it.

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You could be low on coolant.

 

The rear squeak could be the e-brake cable or something similar rubbing.

 

I've checked the coolant and it's fine. I topped it off about a week ago because I thought that may have been what it was. No luck.

 

And the sound is definately not a squeak... at least no squeak that I've ever heard.

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No I'm not sure if the cooling fans are coming. I'm going to need to turn it on tonight and let it sit for a bit to see if they come on. How long should it take for them to pop on if it's just idling?

 

 

not sure if the 3.4 is the same...but, my fans kick on @ around 220*

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The T-stat is all you need to replace. For the checking the fans, I would just try to pull codes on the car and see if the primary fan comes on and then put the A/C on to see if the secondary fan comes on.

 

Rear end squeek could be anything I would say it might be monoleaf end bushings put who knows.

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The T-stat is all you need to replace. For the checking the fans, I would just try to pull codes on the car and see if the primary fan comes on and then put the A/C on to see if the secondary fan comes on.

 

Rear end squeek could be anything I would say it might be monoleaf end bushings put who knows.

 

Unfortunately I can't put he A/C... my heater console doesn't work correctly. Only Off really does what it's supposed to. Everything else is defroster, I believe. I think it's a vacuum leak (possibly at the vacuum ball?) but I haven't taken the time to figure it out. I don't think the A/C would turn on anyway... needs to be recharged.

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